As Israel continues its attacks on the Lebanese cities of Baalbek and Tyre, statements regarding a ceasefire are being released one after another. The US Representative to Lebanon, Amos Hochstein, called for Lebanon to unilaterally declare a ceasefire with Israel. However, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati denied this claim.

The Israeli army is still bombing Lebanon.

In yet another attack targeting the city of Baalbek, Israel caused severe damage to buildings, homes, and vehicles in the area.

The Israeli army struck the historic city of Tyre in southern Lebanon today, targeting a building there.

While the attacks persist, it was revealed that the US Representative to Lebanon, Amos Hochstein, urged Lebanon to unilaterally declare a ceasefire with Israel. According to a high-level political source and a diplomat in Lebanon who spoke to Reuters, this initiative by the US to end the conflict in the region was conveyed to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

A statement from Mikati’s office denied the claim that the US was requesting Lebanon to unilaterally declare a ceasefire.

A statement from the Lebanese Prime Minister’s office to Reuters emphasized that the government’s stance is clear on seeking a ceasefire from both sides and implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the conflict between Israel and Lebanon in 2006.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Mikati received a delegation led by General Aroldo Lazaro, the head of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), at the Prime Minister’s office.

Mikati stated that Israel’s statements and the diplomatic indicators obtained by Beirut confirm “Tel Aviv’s obstinacy, rejection of proposed solutions, and insistence on policies of killing and destruction in Lebanon.”